A man accused of impersonating an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has been detained by LASTMA.

This was stated in a statement signed  by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

“In a resolute operation conducted by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), a man impersonating a LASTMA officer, Mr. Adewunmi Taiwo, age 45, was detained on the Oshodi Bridge.”

“This individual had been posing as an official to intimidate and extort funds from both commercial and private motorists in the vicinity.” the statement read in part.

“Operating a white Hiace Coaster Bus with the license plate KJA 724 YJ, Mr. Taiwo utilised this guise to harass drivers in the area. Upon a meticulous search of his vehicle, LASTMA Officers uncovered an official LASTMA uniform, including a branded raincoat, among his possessions, confirming his intentions to deceive.”

It was noted that the accused who is a married man with three children confessed to misusing the uniform to “extort unwitting motorists, targeting high-traffic routes along Ikorodu Road and the Oshodi to Mile 2 expressway. He further admitted to generating between N15,000 and N25,000 daily from these unauthorised activities.”

Addressing the incident, LASTMA General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki warned individuals who use the LASTMA uniform for fraudulent activities.

“I take this opportunity to issue a stern warning to individuals who exploit LASTMA’s identity for unlawful gains: any attempt to tarnish the agency’s reputation will be met with the full force of the law as the man will be charged accordingly.” the statement read.